Blizzard, Riot & ZeniMax veterans form Octopus 8 Studios, first game due this year

Octopus 8 Studios is a new UK outfit formed from Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games and ZeniMax veterans. Its currently got two games in development now, pegged for launch in late 2013 and 2014 respectively.

The Cambridge company issued a press release to announce its formation this morning, and confirmed that both projects are coming to the mobile and tablet space. Octopus 8’s policy is to enlist up-and-coming talent as a way of helping them gain a foothold in the industry. It’s a noble prospect given how fiercely contested the job market can be.

In a statement, chief creative officer Justin Parsler said, “Today’s announcement represents the beginning of a very exciting period for us. Our development teams have been working hard on our first two titles, which we believe showcase their great talent and combine originality and high quality in a way that is sure to appeal. I am really thrilled to see well designed games that would probably never have been published by traditional methods reach an audience”

CEO Rich Barham added, “We are continuing to see a move away from traditional, medium sized games companies which span the gap between self publishers and the industry giants. Many of the middle sized companies have large, cumbersome and expensive infrastructures which are struggling to maintain profitability in an agile and changing marketplace.

“Too many good companies and people are suffering this situation, and there are better ways to manage an evolving industry, particularly with much of the superb talent which is currently being throttled by the vicious circle of needing experience to demonstrate it. Octopus 8 Studios is doing things a different way, and we believe it’s the right way – for games people, and for games.”